NFLPA's Request To Put Suspensions On Hold Denied By Judge

On Friday, a federal judge denied a request by the NFL Player's Association to have suspensions of five players, including Vikings Pro-Bowl defensive tackles Kevin and Pat Williams, put on hold while a case regarding a banned diuretic is being appealed.

Just because these suspensions were not put on hold doesn't mean the players involved won't be playing week one, according to NFLPA attorney Jeffrey Kessler, who said action at the appellate court level could take place before the season even starts.

The Williamses and three 2008 New Orleans Saints players, including running back Deuce McAllister, defensive end Charles Grant, and defensive end Will Smith, were suspended last season after testing positive for a drug known as bumetanide, that was not labeled on a produce called StarCaps.

StarCaps is a product that helps in weight loss, but bumetanide is banned by the league because it can be used as a mask for steroids.

The NFL Players Association is arguing that players should not be suspended due to the drug not being labeled on the product. It has also brought up the fact that the league knew bumetanide was in the product in 2006, but never notified players or federal regulators.

Attorneys for the league argue it has always made players responsible for what they put in their bodies, even if a banned substance is taken inadvertently.

It is hard to tell about when a decision will be made as two claims were sent to the state court by U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson last week.